Archive for March 2008

Kudos to Bjork! Thank you for mentioning Tibet at your concert in Shanghai. I listed two art pieces I made today on eBAY. 100% of the proceeds are being donated to STUDENTS FOR A FREE TIBET. You can see these paintings by going to the link on my art website on typing in OUTSIDER ART TIBET on the EBAY search. I will be listing more art items and other things to donate to Tibetan causes. So please bid. I appreciate it!

I’m fully aware that my blog entries have mostly been about movies and food. So here is something about art.

I went on Sunday to see the Frida Kahlo exhibit today at the Philadelphia Museum of Art ( PMA). The show was crowded ( obviously) and very padded ( meaning filled with lots of things other than Frida’s few paintings- lots of photographs of her and Diego as well as painting from other Mexican painters). PMA is always big on selling merchandise in connection with their “block buster art shows”. I broke down and bought a coffee mug for a friend with one of Frida’s paintings on it. Back in the late 80s, I was able to get a private viewing of her paintings in a small space at theFolk Art Museum at Fort Mason ( San Francisco). This was before the Frida craze. I love Frida’s work. I made a painting of Frida a few weeks ago and am adding it to this blog, Yes it is for sale.

My journey with cooking and food the last 4 years has been driven by my food cravings. Usually I get a craving for something creamy, crunchy, salty or sweet and thus begins a journey of research . I love comfort foods as well as dishes from bygone eras. Last week I had a craving for some kind of ice cream concoction. I suppose I could have just made myself a root beer float with Vanilla ice cream or even made myself a quick New York Egg cream with U Bet Chocolate syrup, half n’ half and seltzer water. As I started looking on the internet for old fashioned ice cream sodas, I came across a recipe for something that was popular in the 1920s & 30s called a Chop Suey Sundae. A ice cream sundae made with vanilla ice cream, shredded coconut, and a warm compote of raisins, dates and water all topped with Chow Mein noodles. As I read the ingredients my stomach turned. My initial response was “Yuck!”. Chop suey is a fake Chinese dish- called American Chinese. The recipe I found online sounded revolting. I went to sleep that night thinking about the concept of a Chop Suey Sundae- something I could revise and make my own and original.

Well I am happy to report I have come up with a tasty version of this weird sundae . I have looked high and low to see if something like what I have created exists- it does not. Here is my version of a Chop Suey Sundae. My version is called (modestly) Katie Pfeiffer’s Cherry Bling Chop Suey Sundae. I am posting the recipe- freely but I invented this.

This version is a two step dessert process. I am not mentioning the brand name of a puffed rice cereal but you know what I am talking about. Recipe will appear at the bottom of the blog.

Now on to two films I love about Soulmates. These films will go great with my Cherry Bling Chop Suey Sundae. The first movie is

“DEJA VU” ( 1998)- There are several films with this title but this is the film directed by Henry Jaglom which stars Stephen Dillane and Victoria Hoyt. This film is mostly talking and you would think boring- but you couldn’t be more wrong. This film is absorbing and fascinating. It explores the relationship of two strangers who happen to meet. This movie explores the subject of past lives, soul mates and mysticism and will leave you feeling happy and reflecting on your own relationships in a more positive light. I feel there are no coincidences. Rent it, buy it- just see it!!!!!!

The second film which is also about soulmates and one I became obsessed over is “THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES” ( 1996) Starring Barbra Streisand and Jeff Bridges, Lauren Bacall and George Segal ( who previously starred with La Streisand in another wonderful film ” THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT”. Anyway this film is very George Bernard Shaw/Shakesperean- a comedy of errors/ miscommunication and assumptions. All I will say about this film is I have seen it at least twelve times in the last few months and it is full of wit, humor and truth about men, women & relationships. I feel Streisand did not receive the recognition she deserved for this film. I consider this my favorite film now ( at least in the Romance/Comedy genre).

Box or look it up on the internet – you will need two average squares- one for each bowl plus extra to top the sundae. TIP from me- when I am making the puffed rice marshmallow treats, I add 1/2 teaspoon of real Vanilla Extract to the recipe and this makes it SO much better!

*1/4 Cup chopped dates

*1/4 Cup Dried Sour Cherries

*1/4 Cup Water

*About 10 Maraschino Cherries chopped up plus about 2 Tablespoons of Maraschino Cherry syrup- I buy Maraschino Cherries WITHOUT Red dye no.2 at Whole Foods. the brand is called SILVER PALATE and you can buy them over the internet.

*1/4 Cup Roasted and Salted Almonds- chopped

*1/4 Cup Toasted Shredded Sweetened Coconut flaked

*Optional Chocolate Syrup

*Extra puffed rice marshmallow treat- crumbled for topping

In two small ice cream dishes or bowls break up up the squares of the puffed rice marshmallow treat. Push them down on the bottom of the bowls. In a small saucepan combine the dates, sour cherries, maraschino cherries, maraschino cherry syrup and water on low. Bring to a bowl and cook for 5 minutes until the liquid gets syrupy and the dates break down. Add the frozen yogurt or ice cream to the dishes. Spoon the hot cherry and date compote over the ice cream. Add the coconut and chopped almonds. Top with crumbled puff rice marshmallow treats. Drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired.

Enjoy!

One last thing- yesterday was the annual March 10th March for Tibet- Freedom for Tibet and its people. I wanted to March in NYC but a personal injury has made this impossible this year. Hopefully next year I will be there in front marching.

Blogroll

Alla Baksanskaya
Alla is a fantastic artist who uses Sea Shells and other recycled material to create wonder 3D paintings and sculptures which are childlike/playful and whimsical. Another original artist whom I adore.

Augusten Burroughs
Augusten is one, if the funniest writers I have ever read. I have read one of his books ( POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS), and I can’t wait to read everything else he has written. As I am in a time of grieving and mourning, Augusten has arrived to bring me happi

Chris Roberts-Antieau
Incredible Outsider/folk art made with sewn fabric depicting wonderful scenes full of color and humor. Chris is definitely a true original who inspires me as an artist.

Cool Blog
Funny and outrageous writing that makes me pee in my pants and times and wonder about the sanity of this world

Ed Basner's Blog
Mainline Rock Sculptor Ed Basner has his own blog . Ed is the rock sculptor I mentioned last year in my blog. Check out his blog! His art is quiet yet very powerful.

Edward Gorey House and Museum
The best reason for visiting Cape Cod. This Museum has the BEST gift shop I have ever laid my eyes on. This is a must-see for any artist or person who loves unusual places. This was the best part of my recent trip to Cape Cod